Serenity in Sri Lanka: Ayurvedic wellness & beach relaxation

Bandaranaike International Airport - Sigiriya

Day 1: Welcome to a world of relaxation

Welcome to Sri Lanka! From Colombo's international airport, you'll be transferred by private vehicle to your wellness retreat in the midst of an ancient kingdom, Sigiriya. Drive along a picturesque route, past rice paddy fields, towards the town of Kurunegala - you'll already find yourself relaxing in the midst of this stunning landscape.

Stop along the way at the hillside Arankele Forest Monastery, which dates back to the 6th century and was once inhabited by a sect of reclusive monks. Stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic, and come across the remnants of grinding stones once used to prepare Ayurvedic medicine. Continue your journey afterwards, reaching your retreat in Sigiriya to check in and unwind.

Sigiriya

Day 2: Unwind in an ancient kingdom

Wake up to the rays of sun and a herbal drink to revitalize and soothe your spirits. It's then time for a delicious breakfast!

All meals will be prepared after consultation with the in-house Ayurvedic physician, in accordance with the main and secondary dosha ('three energies') conditions of your body, and made using ingredients from the organic garden. Each vegetarian dish placed before you will be carefully prepared to support the positive enhancement of your health.

Spend the day at leisure, exploring the treatments offered at the resort, and ending it with an evening yoga session to alleviate stress, improve flexibility, and practice mindfulness to reach a state of tranquility.

Sigiriya

Day 3: Ayurvedic healing & historic sightseeing

Today, continue with your personalized treatment plan devised by your physician. Beyond herbal soaks and hot oil treatments, the retreat offers a range of facilities and services encouraging a fulfilling wellness experience. Indulge in morning and evening yoga, a cookery demonstration with a chef known for his Ayurvedic cuisine, or a visit to the organic gardens to learn about the fresh produce and medicinal herbs grown there.

For your fill of culture and history, make a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, best visited by bicycle as you meander past stupas, ancient palaces, temples, Buddha statues, and more. You could also embark on a scenic catamaran ride along Polonnaruwa Lake, ideal for birdwatching, or try your hand at pottery-making with the local villagers.

Sigiriya - Galle - Weligama

Day 4: Journey to the coast

After breakfast today, leave Sigiriya behind and journey to your next wellness retreat, which hugs the sandy shores of Weligama.

Drive for five to six hours to reach the historical city of Galle, a World Heritage Site that you'll have time to explore on a leisurely afternoon walk. Explore its Dutch colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and more. If you'd like to get active, hop onto a bicycle to tour the cobblestone streets and neighboring villages along the peaceful coast.

In the late afternoon, continue your transfer for another hour, to reach your eco-friendly accommodation overlooking the Indian Ocean. Check in and settle down before tucking into a delicious dinner - you'll again enjoy an all-inclusive board during your stay here.

Weligama

Day 5: Good morning, Weligama!

Wake up to the distant sound of stilt fishermen splashing about on the coast, and enjoy a herbal drink or fresh juice to revitalize your spirits. It's time for breakfast: as in Sigiriya, you'll feast on a meal plan established by an expert Ayurvedic physician, with a focus on vegetarian bio-food made with the resort's organic, home-grown vegetables.

The on-site spa offers its own herbal pharmacy, herbal bath and steam rooms, as well as a range of therapies to soothe your mind and body - take time to explore them and find the best ones to suit your needs. Unwind for a while in the recreation room, sipping tea and overlooking azure ocean waters - the day is yours to spend as you wish, slipping into complete serenity.

Weligama

Day 6: One last peaceful day in Weligama

With one last day in Sri Lanka, you'll get to further immerse yourself into this wonderful world of soothing treatments and revitalizing experiences. Forget all your worries, feel yourself being cleansed, and find inner peace. Your physician will recommend treatments, but beyond this, you could explore the other activities and facilities on site, such as yoga sessions at sunrise and sunset.

In the afternoon, drive to the nearby Bimbarama Temple to observe the slow and uninterrupted pace of life of the resident monks. Return to your resort afterwards to wander through its garden, orchard and peaceful grounds, or head to Weligama's sandy shores for a stroll near sun-warmed waters.

Weligama - Bandaranaike International Airport

Day 7: Farwell, Sri Lanka

Sadly, it's time to bid farewell to Sri Lanka, but hopefully you'll leave feeling refreshed, revitalized, and filled with a new energy. At a suitable time, check out of your resort and take a private transfer from Weligama to Colombo's international airport. Although you'll be traveling for about three hours, the scenic drive will be the perfect way to wrap up this ultra-relaxing trip. Goodbye for now, and see you again soon!